That's genuinely the least disappointed I've been about an early cup exit - Like, I'm not even mad about it.
The only downside for me is now the lack of competitive football leading into the season proper. Tonight's game is the type of fixture we need about 3-4 weeks out from the start of the season, not like 9-10 weeks or whatever it works out to be. Shoot me down if you feel the need to, but that's how I see it anyway.
The young brigade did themselves no disservice really. If we'd got touched up 4 or 5-0 then I'd be a bit more worried, but that wasn't the case. First half was far better than the second mind you, but it is what it is.
A few comments on some of the players performances;
• GSR was lively for his 60 odd minutes. I like his willingness to drive forward and take on defenders, which he did with a varying degree of success. His decision making will improve with more opportunities, but he's only 17 and I like what I see with his positive play. I don't want to compare him to Oldie too much, but there is a lot I see in him that makes me go 'He'll equip himself well at A-League level.
• Walker was busy throughout, and I like that - Some good delivery and again, that willingness to take on a man which adds a nice point of difference. Faded a bit as the game wore on, but I liked him drifting in and looking for the ball as the game wore on (after subs). Raw as all hell but there is a player in there. Needs a bit of work on the strength side of things, but that will come the longer he's involved in the setup. Didn't look out of his depth whatsoever.
• Matt Sheridan was my MotM for the Nix. Positive forward thinking player who was happy to push forward down the right and looked very comfortable on the ball. Hardly looked rushed and went looking for work. Set piece delivery was decent, and I really liked his hustle. Busted his ass a couple of times tracking back when they did threaten. Hopefully see more of him this season, althoughit will be hard to knock the pre-eminent Payne off his starting perch, but good to see some talent popping up in that troublesome RB position. Handy looking player if we didn't realize that already.
• Hughes was solid if unspectacular at CB. A few sloppy giveaways aside, he was good on the ball and made some excellent tackles and interventions to break up their play tonight. Looks like he's odds on to step in to the XI for the now departed Finn Surman, but it is well deserved. Big shoes to fill at the back though, but given he's got a taste in the A-League already, I feel he's more than ready for that shot as a full-time CB.
• Candy looked alright when he came on. Liked the willingness to play the 1-2's and the intricate stuff and short passing in and around the box in the dying stages. Probably can't form enough of a judgement on him at this stage, but one to keep an eye out for perhaps.
Disappointments tonight for me were LKH & Conchie to be honest. Expected more given their exposure to first team footy last season, but alas it wasn't either of their day's today. LKH looking terribly risk averse compared to the progressive and positive style that was employed down the opposite side with Sheridan. Made it a bit too easy for South Melbourne to just stand off him a bit and watch him play it backwards, or back to where it came from, or just wait until he tried a chipped ball over the top which was easily dealt with by their defence anyway.
Conchie was pretty much anonymous which was disappointing for me as I expected him to really push to be involved in that midfield this season - Even with the strong competition he faces. Can't recall a single really nice positive bit of play that he was involved in tonight. Maybe that's harsh, but I'm really wracking my brain and can't think of anything of note at all. A missed opportunity for him to show what he can offer.
Supyk a bit anonymous up top as well, just needed more of a connection on that chance in the first 10 minutes and I'd be singing his praises, but alas he didn't end up with much to write home about in the end.
Alby Kelly-Heald didn't really have much to do apart from pick the ball out of the net after 5 minutes. Looked slow to get off his line when they played the ball in behind and into the box a couple of times, and a few nervy moments. Can't really expect too much else from him yet though, especially after Chiefy has said it's a 99% certainty that they'll be bringing an import in for that #1 spot.
Others were serviceable without bringing that cutting edge that we needed to claw the goal back. Like I said earlier, good first half, and a bit lacklustre in the second, which was not unexpected. Well from where I was sitting anyway.
Harsh? Fair?
